'Really smart decision': The reason Walsh knocked back extra $2m ...

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has been praised for his “really smart decision” to look at “the bigger picture” and knock back the opportunity to earn millions more dollars.

Walsh has agreed to terms on a five-year extension worth $1.1 million per season instead of testing his value on the open market.

The 21-year-old could reportedly have attracted offers of up to $1.5 million per season from rival clubs which means by signing this five-year deal he’ll be leaving as much as $2 million on the table.

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But the NRL 360 panel explained why it’s a wise call from Walsh who they believe will stand to earn more money in the long run by staying.

“I think if Reece Walsh goes to the open market there’s no question some of the lower ranked sides would be prepared to pay $1.5m per season,” James Hooper said.

“But we’ve often spoken about the fact that sometimes as a player you are prepared to accept to stay in a good system and be a chance of winning a premiership.

“Let’s also not forget that he is such a rock star off the field that there are going to be companies lined up to have Reece Walsh signed to endorse things, so he’s going to make plenty of money off the field and when you balance it all out it’s a good deal for everyone.”

Paul Kent then detailed the pitfalls that can come with signing a big contract at a new club.

“I think the Broncos have done a particularly good deal to get him for that, but the real upside is this,” Kent said.

“I’ve seen guys take money to go to other clubs and they’ve gone to place where the system doesn’t suit their footy or the strength of the squad is not what they’re used to playing in and they don’t quite get to the mark of one of what they’re being paid to do but two of what their own expectations are of their own performance.

“And while that contract is a great one, the next one is not as great because what they’ve done is they’ve damaged their reputation as a player because they haven’t been able to deliver at the new club on their massive contract.

“Reece Walsh is a young man and we would all agree has his best football ahead of him and is at a club that suits his footy, so take a little bit less to stay at the club where everything is in the right aspect for him as far as lifestyle, style of footy, direction of the club, it’s a really smart decision from Reece Walsh to stay.”

Braith Anasta called Walsh “the biggest brand in the game” and praised the young gun for taking everything into consideration.

“It’s a great signing, five years for this kid who is an absolute superstar, not only on the field but off it. It’s a great result,” he said.

“You’ve always got to look at the big picture and you’ve always got to be happy or you’re not going to play good footy, it’s as simple as that.”